I greet you my Brothers again
with Open-Heart Friendship and Brotherly love. Last month was a great time in
Masonry for me. This years confess of Grand Masters was held right here in Las
Vegas and I got to spend sometime there. I got the opportunity to be with some
of the Grand Masters, Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Lodge
Wardens. It was a time of reflection as I talked to these knowledgeable
Brothers, I was encouraged to continue my Quest in the Uplifting of Masonry.

I also went to Milwaukee,
Wisconsin for the 121st
Supreme Council Session. It was a great time, talked to many Brothers about my
Quest and passed out copies of my letters. Many discussions were held during
that weekend and my mailing list has grown up to 120.

When I returned home and
thought about what to write about for this month. It came to me when I was on my
daily morning walk with my dogs. When God puts a conviction in you it is hard to
deny. What came to me was that in order to uplift Masonry we have to have solid
LEADERSHIP in our ranks. It was like a bolt of lighting that hit me. All good
undertaking start with great Leadership.

After more then 30 years in the
United States Army, I got to understand a great deal about Leadership. The Army
explains Leadership “as the art to influence men to accomplish a said mission”.
It is so very true in Prince Hall Masonry.

We open our Lodges in
ritualistic form and we explain the duties of the Worshipful Master in the East,
the Wardens and the Deacons. We get an explanation of their duties and
responsibilities and must enforce those duties. As in any large organization we
have to have vision and direction to ensure that our goals are not overlooked
and we are that light upon the hill so that all can see.

Again these are my thoughts and
interpretations of Leadership. I have traveled to many Jurisdictions and Lodges
and I have been amazed on how some of them select their leadership. Some have a
so called line up list weeks before the elections, others select from positions
and not their works, or some come out to run just because they don’t like the
person running for a seat.

It truly pains me to see
business work that way. Key Brothers in our Lodges talking bad about others or
how things are not going so well with a project. I was taught that I was suppose
to give wise council to a Brother at all times and not wait till after the fact.
The real kicker is that on the day of elections Lodges are full, you see
Brothers who you haven’t seen all year. I’ll call then the “Fork and Spoon
Brothers”. These Brothers are dangerous; they haven’t been involved in any
projects or come to meetings. They are lost when they get there and only voting
for a friend and not the most qualified Brother.

I might get some Brothers mad
after reading this letter and may not want to remain on my mailing list. I say
to those Brothers this is not an attack on any one person, Lodge or
Jurisdiction. This is a wake up call that we need to do business better. We need
to remember from Whence We Came. We need to remember our Charges from the Second
and Third degrees especially these paragraphs.

The Second Degree the second
paragraph reads; It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which as a F. C.
you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence
to them, as your own experience must have established their value. Our laws and
regulations you are strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in
seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the offenses
of your brethren; but in the decision of every trespass against our rules, you
are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.

The Third Degree the third and
fourth paragraph reads; In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized
to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to
guard them against a breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the
fraternity unsullied must be your constant care. Universal benevolence you are
always to inculcate, and by the regularity own behavior, afford the best example
for the conduct of other less informed. The Ancient Landmarks of the fraternity,
entrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve, and never suffer them to
be infringed, or countenance a deviation from its established usages and customs
of the fraternity.

Your virtues, honor, and
reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity the character you now bear.
Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or
betray your trust, but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that
celebrated artist whom you have this evening represented. Thus you will render
yourself worthy of the honor which we have conferred, and merit the confidence
we repose in you.

True Leadership is that Brother
who is a forerunner in your lodge, community, church, work and home. He is
always on time to meeting and the one always lending a hand on projects. He
stands out in the crowd, always gives positive input, he knows that he is
representing Prince Hall Masonry wherever he goes. Most important is that, he is
an Example Setter. These Brothers are the ones that will truly uplift Masonry
just in their daily walks in life.

So if we continue to govern our
Lodges with true Friendship and Brotherly love we will have the right Leadership
in our Lodges and harmony will prevail. The results; Lodges with goals and
vision, membership on the increase and Lodges that belong to the community.
Remember each and every one of us has a vote and it counts; use it for the right
reason. When in doubt seek true and wise counseling from a Brother you trust or
is your mentor.

The Leadership of today will
mold the Leadership of tomorrow. I say to you rise up look to the Lord and the
convictions of your heart, Prince Hall Masonry will be uplifted.

I thank you Brothers who have
encouraged me to continue this quest and keep sending me your Brotherly Love and
Prayers. I will be the Light on the Hill for all to see.